Leadership

The State Fair of Texas Board of Directors consists of a long line of distinguished community leaders who have provided governance for the State Fair of Texas since it was originally chartered in 1886.

Mitchell Glieber

President, State Fair of Texas

Mr. Glieber joined the State Fair in 1999, spending the majority of his time working with corporate partners developing sponsorship, marketing, and promotional programs, more than tripling sponsorship revenue. Prior to joining the State Fair, Mitchell spent nearly a decade with the Dallas Mavericks marketing team, serving as the organization’s Sales Manager for season and group tickets. Raised in Dallas, Mitchell graduated from Southern Methodist University with a double-major in Finance and TV &amp; Radio. He served as Captain of the SMU Mustangs football team in 1989, and was chosen as one of only 11 National Football Foundation Scholar Athletes in the country, that same year. He is the former President of the SMU Letterman’s Association and is an active member of the Dallas Salesmanship Club, a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming children’s futures by serving at-risk families in the Greater Dallas area. Mitchell is son to nationally-known CBS Sportscaster, Frank Glieber, who passed away in 1985. Mitchell and his wife Lisa are devoted parents to their three children; Thomas, Kaki and Charlotte.

Bob Hilbun

Senior Vice President & General Manager

Mr. Hilbun has been with the State Fair of Texas since 1967. Prior to joining the Fair full-time, he worked as a seasonal employee for the Fair as an Ice Guard at the Coliseum Ice Arena. As Senior Vice President, he has oversight of the Maintenance Department which includes the overall set up and daily operations of the Fair. In his role as General Manager for the State Fair of Texas, Mr. Hilbun works closely with all departments and the President in determining the strategic direction for the Fair.

Jaime Navarro

CFO / Senior Vice President, Finance

Mr. Navarro joined the State Fair of Texas in 2001. In January of 2013, he moved into the position of CFO. In this role, Mr. Navarro oversees all financial operations, information technology, and human resource aspects of the organization. Prior to joining the State Fair of Texas, Mr. Navarro began his career in telecommunications and public accounting. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Mr. Navarro actively serves on the Executive, Investment, and Scholarship committees of the State Fair of Texas.

Rusty Fitzgerald

Senior Vice President, Operations

Mr. Fitzgerald assumed the role of Vice President of Operations at the State Fair of Texas in 2001. Prior to joining the Fair, he spent 23 years at Six Flags in Operations Management. In his current role as Senior Vice President, Mr. Fitzgerald has oversight of the Midway and all if its operations. The department responsibilities include coordination and daily oversight of games, novelties, rides, horticulture, guest relations, and safety inspections. Mr. Fitzgerald also serves as the Fair’s resident weather expert to ensure guest safety.

Carey D. Risinger

Senior Vice President, Food, Beverage, and Retail

Prior to joining the State Fair of Texas in 2010, Mr. Risinger was Corporate Director of Food Service for Six Flags, overseeing food service for 34 parks in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Europe. As Senior Vice President at the Fair, Mr. Risinger is responsible for the development and growth of the food and beverage operations at more than 200 locations on the fairground. The nationally recognized Big Tex Choice Awards also fall under the oversight of his department.

Daryl Real

Senior Vice President, Agriculture and Livestock

Mr. Real joined the State Fair of Texas in 2004. Prior to joining the Fair, he worked for the National Swine Registry promoting purebred hogs in the southwestern U.S. As Vice President, Mr. Real oversees the livestock operations of the Fair and the mission-focused programs including fundraising for the State Fair of Texas Youth Livestock Auction and Scholarship Programs. In addition to his duties at the Fair, he is frequently a livestock judge at national, state and local shows, and stays involved in FFA and 4-H in Denton County.

Jennifer Schuder

Senior Vice President, Marketing

Prior to joining the State Fair of Texas in 2013, Mrs. Schuder was the Chief Marketing Officer and Director of Community Outreach for the Dallas Opera for eight and a half years. As Vice President of Marketing for the Fair, Mrs. Schuder leads the branding and creative development efforts for the organization as well as revenue generation through sponsorship and advance ticket sales. Mrs. Schuder is also an adjunct professor at Southern Methodist University, teaching marketing classes in the Meadows School of the Arts.

Karissa Condoianis

Senior Vice President, Public Relations

Prior to joining the State Fair of Texas in 2014, Mrs. Condoianis was senior manager of marketing and public relations for BeautiControl, a subsidiary of Tupperware Brands Corporation. As Vice President of Public Relations for the Fair, Mrs. Condoianis oversees all media relations and outreach functions, including development, planning, and strategic oversight of all public relations efforts, and is involved in the organization’s community initiatives. Mrs. Condoianis is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication. She is passionate about giving back and actively participates in community projects and organizations. Mrs. Condoianis is Texas born and bred, and enjoys life with her husband, Danny, daughter, Riley, and their dog in Dallas, Texas.

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Mission Statement

The State Fair of Texas celebrates all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment.